Healthy snacking: A global trend

Before the pandemic hit, snacking was already established as one of the major food trends of the new decade. COVID-19 has not eliminated this trend, but it has changed the consumption habits and the expectations that consumers have of this type of product. Why? Because during this unique period, the consumers, want to eat better,” writes Le Must magazine in its October issue. 

The pleasure and convenience that are usually associated with snacking must now coexist with new requirements such as nutritional quality or responsible consumption,” continues the author of the article. That’s why we have seen a growing and sustainable demand for healthy, local, organic, transparent, natural, least processed and traceable products. This definition fits perfectly with the Mango Thnot chips created by Confirel.

The magazine backs up its claim with the second edition of the State Of Snacking study conducted by Mondelēz International among 6,292 people in 12 countries around the world (including the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Russia and Australia), in partnership with The Harris Poll. The study shows that snacks played a comforting role during the pandemic and are even part of most consumers’ routine. 

During the pandemic, nearly 9 in 10 adults worldwide (88%) say they snack more (46%) or the same (42%) as before. More than half of respondents said snacking was a “lifesaver” during the pandemic (52%), especially parents who work from home (69%). 

Snacking was seen as an antidote to loneliness and a way to connect. According to the study, 3 out of 4 adults worldwide connected with others through food in the last 6 months of 2020 (77%), including making a snack together (40%), giving a snack as a gift (31%), or shopping for someone who couldn’t make it (29%).  80% of adults worldwide recognize the need for balance and appreciate having a choice of snack alternatives to meet their expectations.